Have you ever had a class that just seemed to lose interest with every passing database or website? Emily Brown and Jason Cimock have devised a devilishly fun game to keep those hum-drum classes on their toes and using their brains.

The Database Derby pits teams of students in a race to the finish, where the winners get chocolate and the losers sometimes also get chocolate. After Librarians demonstrate the databases, they divide their students into teams and ask them to use what they learned to compete in a relay race. The team that learned the most usually comes out on top.

Emily and Jason will talk about the origins of the Database Derby and teach you how you can keep those students interested, working hard, and having fun!

Emily Z. Brown has done a little bit of living in a lot of places. She is proud to have called several states home (Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma). Emily completed her BAS in History in 2002 and her MLIS in 2005, receiving both degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in a library in some form or another since 1998 when she got a job as a student worker at Pitt’s Hillman Library. Emily came to Oklahoma in late 2006 for a position at Northeastern State University, but is now a member of the University of Central Oklahoma’s illustrious Department of Reference and Instruction. Emily has been active in COIL since 2007 and has acted as Secretary, Chair-Elect and is the 2011 COIL Chair.

We asked Emily a few questions:

1. What made you want top present at this years unCOILed workshop?

I wanted to present this year because I’m really excited about what’s going on here in the Reference and Instruction Department at UCO. I am lucky to work with some very creative people in a positive environment and I feel that our presentation might help spice up some instruction sessions!

2. How long have you been a librarian?

I have been a librarian, officially, since 2006. Before that I considered going into archaeology and briefly day-dreamed of becoming a tug-boat captain.

3. What is your favorite thing about instruction?

I used to be a very nervous public speaker, but the more I’ve taught the more chances I’ve had to realize the reward that comes with helping someone find the information they need. I also appreciate the anecdotes I can amaze my non-library friends with after particularly interesting instruction sessions.